DATING 101** Where to Go This Valentines Day 2017

Uh oh, it’s that time of year again and for those of you who won’t be hiding in their bedrooms, stuffing their face with chocolate and refusing to check the mail (not me, honest *sob*), here’s an overview of where to celebrate being a couple in style.

Hacienda

There is nothing more traditionally ‘Valentine’s’ than oysters and champagne, and what better place to enjoy than amidst Hacienda’s breathtaking setting with spectacularly romantic panoramic views of the iconic harbour. Spoil your loved one with the Valentine’s Day special of Veuve Clicquot champagne and ½ dozen oysters for just $90

If you want the same gorgeous views as Hacienda but with a slightly more substantial food option then why not try Q Dining? Enjoy a glass of sparkling on arrival, followed by a delicious 5 course shared dinner including King crab leg, duck magarete and Flinders Island lamb for only $110.00 per person ($90 per person Accor Plus Members).

If you or your partner want to really pull out all the stops then The Star is home to some of the fanciest options for amore.

Balla

Guests at this talked about Italian restaurant with harbour views will be treated to a divine Tuscan-inspired five-course menu by Executive Chef Gabriele Taddeucci. Culinary delights include scampi tartare with caviar and crispy focaccia, veal fillet wrapped in prosciutto and sage with porcini mushrooms and a dolce of vanilla semifreddo raspberry heart and dark Tuscan chocolate. The dinner is $139 per person with complimentary sparkling wine on arrival or $195 with matching wines.

With extraordinary harbour views, premium service and a lux interior, BLACK Bar and Grill is the perfect venue for anyone who appreciates a sophisticated setting. Guests will be treated to an expertly prepared degustation of caviar, spanner crab remoulade and saikou salmon gnocchi before moving on to striploin Wagyu MBS 7+ oxtail and watercress salad and a sticky shallot sauce and completing the evening with BLACK’s most renowned dessert of warm chocolate couverture ganache, raspberry and mint ice-cream – just look at it! The five-course dinner is $175 per person, plus matching wines.

Embrace the taste of Tokyo and treat your date to the exceptional creations of Sokyo Executive Chef and Japanese cuisine master, Chase Kojima. Explore Sokyo’s à la carte menu with dishes such as maguro tataki, tuna crispy rice and dengakuman before indulging in an exquisite dessert of strawberry parfait rose jelly with coconut, dacquoise, white chocolate and fresh berries ($18).

Bookings are available by clicking here and Guest Services 1800 700 700.

Pizzaperta

Those looking for a more casual affair can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a heart shaped Margherita pizza, two glasses of Chandon and a complementary heart nutelli bombolone for $30 at waterside piazza-style pizzeria, Pizzaperta. No bookings required.

The Darling Spa

If you’re not keen to overindulge your taste buds then why not try The Darling Spa for an indulgent spa package for two. Couples can relax with a glass of Chandon Brut on arrival plus a luscious chocolate strawberry, before settling in for a luxurious 30-minute body scrub, followed by a 60-minute aromatherapy massage in the VIP suite. Couples will also be able to access the spa facilities prior to their appointment and will take home a complimentary beauty gift from the ESPA range. Paying homage to romance, the Valentine’s Day special will be available for the whole month of February for $695 per couple.

If swanky restaurants don’t suit you (or your budget) then how about a movie under the stars? There can be very few more romantic options and this year’s movie choice is also perfect: the magical and sweetly romantic musical comedy, La La Land.

Sunset Cinema North Sydney amps up the amore with a pre-show live acoustic set to begin the evening’s entertainment and a specially created Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu from the creators behind Jimmy Liks. Options include split green curry of braised beef; Thai BBQ chicken salad; aromatic coconut curry of Japanese eggplant with pickled pineapple on steamed Jasmine rice (vegan option) and Thai silken tofu salad (vegan option).

Sunset Cinema has three great Valentine’s packages with seats, food and drinks to complete the evening, in addition to regular ticketing options. The Lawn Lounge Couples Package is $160, the Bean Bag Couples Package -is $120and the Bring A Picnic Package is $80, all for two people.

One of our new favourite pastimes is cruising Sydney Harbour on the incredible Seadeck – a truly unique vessel of generous but elegant proportions and nostalgic styling. What could be more romantic than sailing under the stars in such classic surroundings with 360′ views of the city lights reflected in the water? Seadeck’s Executive Chef Drew Bolton has even prepared a custom Valentine’s menu for you to enjoy on the night. The cruise departs Kings Wharf at 7pm and the ticket price of $49 includes a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival.

If your honey has a sweet tooth then ditch the restaurant and just order one of these incredible Valentine’s options from Sydney Smash Cakes. Taking the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts of chocolates and lollies to the next level, the Sydney Smash Cakes Valentine’s Day Collection is the ultimate sweet treat for your loved one. Having tasted one last week (check the video here), I can confirm this is sure to be a hit! Handmade with love from only the finest quality chocolate and lollies, the Valentine’s Day Collection include #TeamCandy and #TeamChocoalte, both in large, RRP$160 (4kgs of treats) or small RRP$135 (2.5kgs of treats) while #TeamValentines is a mini pack of 6 LoveHearts candy at RRP$69